Hey pals! I’m Emma and I am incredibly stoked to have the opportunity to call myself one of CollegeFashionista’s Style Gurus for the spring semester. I am a junior at the University of South Florida and am majoring in Communication with a concentration in Media and Culture. I grew up in a Florida beach town—the kind of town where you couldn’t shop for groceries without seeing at least three people you knew. I developed a love of southern charm and sunshine. When I wasn’t wearing a bathing suit and headed for the beach, I was headed to ballet class. I danced for 17 years and learned to appreciate the beauty in simplicity.
When I was a senior in high school, my school got a dress code that forced me to always wear a plain colored shirt with a collar. I accepted this as a personal challenge and made it my goal to be the best dressed girl in school. My closet transformed into a collection of polos, button-downs, and pullover sweaters. I always dressed as if it was a brisk 60 degrees instead of 92. To me, feeling stylish and confident in a look is worth the cost of sweating in the sunshine.
I have always been drawn to a simple, clean and classy style and my small town roots have caused me to develop a thirst for adventure. I am constantly wandering into new boutiques and cafes on the search for the next big thing. As I wander, I always carry a cup of coffee and a camera. I wouldn’t call myself a photographer but I am in love with how photography can help you save memories forever.
If I were to share my favorite piece of style advice it would be to wear as many pieces as possible. The more pieces you wear the more stylish you look—but that doesn’t always mean you have to spend more money. College isn’t free but I’ve found that you can find a way to put together top dollar looks without breaking the bank. Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a life saver because you can throw them on with a tee as you rush to your early morning biology lab or pull them on with a cute top for a night out with friends. My favorite everyday accessory is a simple gold heart necklace. I love that the simple gold can go with dresses and sweaters alike. I like to top off my look with my Alex and Ani bracelets as a way to easily spice up my simpler outfits to feel like I actually tried to accessorize. I am excited to be able to expand my writing and style background as I share the looks that catch my eye on campus.
